Music

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

The best new holiday music releases for 2025

'Tis the season to put on some brand-new holiday music. The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new and old. But don't know what to press play on? We've got you covered.

6 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film ‘The Harder They Come,’ dead at 81

Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in such classics as "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get it If You Really Want" and "Vietnam" and starred in the landmark movie "The Harder They Come," has died at 81.

1 week ago in Entertainment, Music

Gary Mounfield, former Stone Roses bassist, has died at 63

Gary Mounfield, the former bass player of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, two of the most influential British rock bands of the past four decades, has died. He was 63.

1 week ago in Entertainment, Music

The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours ‘Til Dawn’ Tour grosses over $1 billion, Live Nation says

The Weeknd's lengthy tour, which launched in Philadelphia in July 2022 and runs through September 2026, has officially grossed $1.004 billion with approximately 7.55 million tickets sold across 153 tour dates, Live Nation said Thursday.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

The 2025 Country Music Association Awards are almost here: How to watch

Excuse me, you look like you like... country award shows. And you're in luck: The 2025 Country Music Association Awards are here. So, what should you expect?

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

A new Netflix doc offers an intimate portrait of Selena, straight from her family’s vault

It's been 30 years since the singer known simply as Selena was killed at 23 — and those who love her are working hard to ensure her legacy endures for decades to come.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2025 Latin Grammys, capping an electric night

It should come as a shock to no one: The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards were all about Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar won album of the year for his landmark release "Debí Tirar Más Fotos."

3 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

Meghan Trainor says she ‘Still Don’t Care’ — because her new album and tour are about growth

In the decade following her debut album, Meghan Trainor has lived myriad lives — but the message of her bright, cheery pop music has remained the same: Stay true to who you are and ignore the haters. That spirit endures on her lead single, the jovial "Still Don't Care," the first tease of her forthcoming seventh full-length album, "Toy with Me," out April 24.

Lifestyle

4 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists.

5 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Stores keep prices down in a tough year for turkeys. Other Thanksgiving foods may cost more

The shrinking turkey population amid the ongoing bird flu outbreak is expected to cause wholesale turkey prices to rise 44% this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite the increase, many stores are offering discounted or even free turkeys to soften the potential blow to Thanksgiving meal budgets.

6 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

These 6 kitchen tools can make or break your Thanksgiving dinner

It's the start of Thanksgiving week, the time when home cooks across America suddenly recognize the daunting task ahead. More than 90% of people in the U.S. celebrate the food-centric holiday and more than 1 in 4 attend meals that include more than 10 other people, according to the Pew Research Center.

1 week ago in Lifestyle

Building an emergency fund can feel daunting, but these tips can help

Maybe your car broke down, your computer was stolen, or you had a surprise visit to urgent care. Emergencies are inevitable, but you can prepare to deal with them by building an emergency fund.

1 week ago in Lifestyle

Preparing to study abroad requires knowing what might go wrong during and after the trip

Studying abroad can be challenging in unexpected ways. Experts say that's why students need to study up on not only safety precautions and cultural differences, but also the emotional shifts that may come with leaving home — and returning to it.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Be Well: Breaking down fiber, the next food fad

U.S. consumers who have had their fill of finding protein added to everything from cereal to ice cream are about to meet the next big food fad: fiber.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Olympic gold-medalist Rowdy Gaines has tips for older swimmers, or if you’re returning to the pool

"Of course I'm biased, but I will stack swimming against any other exercise out there, especially as we age," former Olympian Rowdy Gaines told The Associated Press. "And swimming is one of the few sports you can do forever."

3 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Farmers’ Almanac says it will cease publication after 208 years, citing financial challenges

A 208-year-old publication that farmers, gardeners and others keen to predict the weather have relied on for guidance will be publishing for the final time.

National

7 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Local, National

Northwestern to pay $75 million in deal with Trump administration to restore federal funding

FILE - Signs are displayed outside a tent encampment at Northwestern University on April 26, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, file)

During negotiations, interim university president Henry Bienen said Northwestern refused to cede control over hiring, admissions, or its curriculum. "I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case," he said.

7 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National

Winter storms bring snow, freezing rain and cold as Thanksgiving travelers journey home

A person walks against the blowing snow Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Snow-covered roads and slow travel were reported across Iowa and northern Illinois and Indiana.

4 days ago in National

Two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C., and their condition isn’t known, AP sources say

A suspect is in custody in the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, police said.

4 days ago in Crime, IL State News, Local, National

Wisconsin seeks to block Morgan Geyser’s conditional release after escape from group home

FILE - Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom, Jan. 9, 2025, in Waukesha, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, file)

Geyser did not fight her extradition to Wisconsin in a Chicago court appearance Tuesday.

4 days ago in Crime, IL State News, Local, National

Judge’s footnote on immigration agents using AI raises accuracy and privacy concerns

FILE - A Federal Patrol agent's badge is seen near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Ill., Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

The judge noted factual discrepancies between the official narrative about those law enforcement responses and what body camera footage showed.

4 days ago in National

National Parks to raise fees for millions of international tourists to popular US parks

The National Park Service said Tuesday it is going to start charging the millions of international tourists who visit U.S. parks each year an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular sites, while leaving them out of fee-free days that will be reserved for American residents.

Sports

4 days ago in Sports

Enhanced Games to offer performance enhancers … and stock … to the public

The Enhanced Games is going public in two ways — with a new listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange and also by offering a direct-to-consumer business focused on performance products in a move it says "aims to democratize access to performance enhancement tools and protocols."

4 days ago in Local, Sports

UIS runner makes strides

Maddie Miller-Ross finished 84th in the Division II national XC meet.

4 days ago in Sports

More flag-planting celebrations could be in store for college football’s rivalry week

Coaches, players, administrators and maybe even security will be on high alert in hopes of dissuading or even preventing flag plantings that wreaked havoc during rivalry week in 2024.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

Under a cloud, the Olympic flame begins its journey to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The Olympic flame began its journey Wednesday to the Milan Cortina Winter Games — missing a little of its usual magic. Bad weather lashing western Greece forced organizers to move the torch-lighting ceremony indoors, from Olympia's ancient stadium and temples to a nearby museum.

5 days ago in Education, Local, Sports

Coach Brock’s goal: Make UIS Springfield’s basketball team

"It's a fun group to coach and a fun group to watch."

5 days ago in Sports, Trending

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other ex-NBA player.

Entertainment

4 days ago in Entertainment

‘Rush Hour 4’ will be distributed by Paramount after Trump’s reported request

After President Donald Trump's reported intervention, Paramount Pictures is set to distribute Brett Ratner's "Rush Hour 4," a project that Hollywood had eschewed after earlier sexual misconduct allegations against the director.

4 days ago in Entertainment

How Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal found the emotional power of ‘Hamnet’

In "Hamnet," Chloé Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's prizewinning 2020 novel, Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley his wife, Agnes. It's a fictional, speculative drama with basis in historical fact.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

The best new holiday music releases for 2025

'Tis the season to put on some brand-new holiday music. The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new and old. But don't know what to press play on? We've got you covered.

5 days ago in Entertainment

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a rare Superman comic book! And it fetched $9.12M!

A copy of the first Superman issue, unearthed by three brothers cleaning out their late mother's attic, netted $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold.

6 days ago in Entertainment

‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ co-hosts are Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough and Rita Ora

Ryan Seacrest will have some starry help ushering in 2026 on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" — Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough and Rita Ora have all signed up.

Local News from Capitol City Now

2 hours ago in Entertainment, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local

Here are holiday events around the Springfield area

Fresh
A Christmas scene in Springfield.

Here are ways you can celebrate the holidays in the Springfield, IL area!

2 hours ago in Education, Entertainment, Fall Guide, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local

LLCC Band and Choir to perform fall concerts

Fresh

Additional concerts also planned for the holidays.

2 hours ago in Education, Entertainment, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois College to present Christmas on the Hilltop

Fresh

This year’s program is entitled “Winter With You.”

7 hours ago in IL State News, Local

UPDATE: Up to ten inches of snow fell in parts of Springfield area Saturday

Updated
More than 8.5 inches of snow fell in the Springfield area by Sunday morning.

More than 8.5 inches in Springfield, 10 inches in Jacksonville.

7 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Local, National

Northwestern to pay $75 million in deal with Trump administration to restore federal funding

FILE - Signs are displayed outside a tent encampment at Northwestern University on April 26, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, file)

During negotiations, interim university president Henry Bienen said Northwestern refused to cede control over hiring, admissions, or its curriculum. "I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case," he said.

7 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National

Winter storms bring snow, freezing rain and cold as Thanksgiving travelers journey home

A person walks against the blowing snow Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Snow-covered roads and slow travel were reported across Iowa and northern Illinois and Indiana.

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Trending

4 days ago in National, Trending

Trump spares turkeys — but not his political opponents — at annual pardoning ceremony

President Donald Trump didn't bring much holiday cheer Tuesday when bestowing ceremonial pardons on two Thanksgiving turkeys, dispensing more insults than goodwill at the traditional White House ritual.

4 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists.